New skipper quietly confident

New skipper Ashley Westwood will lead by his playing example rather than trying to copy the vocal approach of his predecessor in the role.

"Dave was a terrific captain and he's given me good advice on how to carry it through" - Ashley Westwood

The 22-year-old captained the Alex for their league opener against Notts County at the weekend following the departure of former skipper David Artell at the end of last season.

Westwood does have previous experience in doing the job but openly recognises he certainly has very big boots to fill.

"It's a massive honour to wear the armband," he told This is Staffordshire. "There were three of us sharing the captaincy at the start of last season - me, Lee Bell and Dave. But I thought Dave deserved to take it on his own to see us over the line.

"Dave was a terrific captain and he's given me good advice on how to carry it through," Westwood added. "He's a brilliant character, but I'm a lot quieter and I'll have to lead in a different way. I'm not one for shouting and bawling."